The decline of copper prices this year has started to undermine the economy of Chile, the world’s leading source of the red metal.

Mexico’s first quarter economic data suggest the rug has been yanked out from under Latin America’s second-largest economy. Although it clearly stumbled in the opening months of 2013, it’s poised to quickly recover its footing, if not to run as fast this year as originally expected.

In his valedictory speech as the head of one of the most respected economic think tanks in the world, Fred Bergsten issued a clarion call about "a clear and present danger" that continuing "currency wars" represent to the U.S. economy, global trade and the international monetary system.

To the consternation of U.S. manufacturers and probably Federal Reserve officials, American consumers are being asked -- once again -- to be Shoppers to the World.

Argentina’s statistics agency reported Wednesday that annual inflation last month amounted to 10.5%. That’s been roughly the rate around which the government has been paying on its inflation-linked bonds. If investors in those securities have accepted the reduced payments based on the official data, workers unions in recent years have not, successfully garnering annual wage increases of 25% or more.

International financial regulators have made limited progress on dealing with the failure of a large, complex financial firm with global operations five years since the onset of the 2008 financial crisis, Fed and other top regulators said.

The euro zone remains mired in recession, even as other parts of the world experience at least modest growth.

Brazil’s finance ministry has confirmed that its second-ranking official is leaving his post, prompting questions about whether more fiscal tinkering and less budget transparency in Brasilia are on the way.

The relative strength of the U.S. dollar is helping keep the price of imported goods in check.

The Baltic Dry Index, which tracks rates to ship bulk goods, has hit 889, up 27% since the start of the year.